MONOMER MIXTURES FOR FORMING SILICON HYDROGELS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION TECHNICAL FIELD

[000 1 ] The present invention generally relates to a polymerizabie monomer mixture for forming dry releasable and /or lathable, optically clear silicon hydrogels.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

[0002] Hydrogels represent a desirable class of materials for the manufacture of various biomedical devices, including contact lenses, A hydrogel is a hydrated cross-linked polymeric system that contains water in an equilibrium state. Hydrogel lenses offer desirable biocompatibility and comfort. A silicon hydrogel is a hydrogel material including a silicon- containing monomer, the silicon containing monomer imparting higher oxygen permeability to the resultant hydrogel copolymer,

[0003] In general, a hydrogel polymeric ophthalmic device can be obtained by direct molding of a polymerizabie monomer mixture wherein the mixture is dissolved in a non-aqueous, displaceable diluent. In this method the polymerizabie mixture is placed in a mold having the precise shape of the final desired hydrogel (i. e., water-swollen) lens and the monomer/diluent mixture is then subjected to conditions whereby the monomer(s) polymerize to produce a polymer/diluent mixture in the shape of the final desired hydrogel lens, The polymerization is generally carried out in a non-aqueous medium because water can interfere with the polymerization reaction and adversely affect the properties of the resulting polymer. At some point, after the polymerization is complete, the diluent is displaced with water to produce a hyd rated lens whose final size and shape approximates the size and shape of the original molded

polymer/solvent article. Such direct molding of hydrogel contact lenses is disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 4,495 ,31 3 , 4,680,336,

4,889,664 and 5 ,039,459.

[0004] In U.S. Patent Nos. 4,495 ,31 3, 4,889,664 and 5 ,039,459, the displaceable diluents disclosed are water-displaceable boric acid esters of polyhydric alcohols, !n U.S. Patent No. 4,680,336, the displaceable diluents disclosed are water -displaceable organic compounds selected on the basis of their viscosity and their Hansen cohesion parameters relative to the cohesion parameters of the polymeric component of the hydrogel to be prepared. Examples of diluents disclosed in the '336 patent include the ester reaction product of a di- or tricarboxylic acid or anhydride with a C3 to C ₄ aikane diol or triol, a polyol selected from the group consisting of hexane- 1 ,2 ,6 triol and diglycerol, and mixtures of glycerol with a

polyhydroxyl compound having at least two hydroxyl groups and a Hansen cohesion parameter 6h of less than 25.

[0005] However, dihydric alcohol boric acid esters are not effective at soiubiiizing silicon-containing monomers in a silicon hydrogel monomer mix. This lack of soiubiiizing ability (as displaceable diluents in a silicon - containing monomer) may result in a hazy or opaque lens. It is known that monohydric alcohols of indeterminate molecu lar weight can be used to adjust the viscosity of dihydric alcohol boric acid esters. Heretofore, there has been no recognition or appreciation that low molecular weight monohydric alcohol boric acid esters can be used as a water-displaceable diluent/solubilizer/solvent/viscosity modifier in a silicon-containing biomedical device forming monomer mix which is capable of forming a hydrogel.

[0006] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an improved polymerizable monomer mixture for making silicon-containing biomedical devices such as optically clear silicon hydrogel contact lenses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a polymerizable monomer mixture comprising one or more silicon-containing biomedical device-forming monomers and a diluent; wherein the diluent comprises a boric acid ester of a monohydric alcohol.

[0008] In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a polymerizable monomer mixture comprising

(a) one or more silicon-containing biomedical device-forming monomers,

(b) one or more hydrophilic monomers and (c) a diluent; wherein the diluent comprises a boric acid ester of a monohydric alcohol.

[0009] The present invention is based on the surprising discovery that boric acid esters of a monohydric alcohol can be used as water- displaceable diluent/solubilizer/solvent/viscosity modifier in a polymerizable monomer mixture containing one or more silicon- containing biomedical device-forming monomers useful for making optically clear shaped silicon-containing biomedical devices, e.g., soft contact lenses such as silicon hydrogels. For purposes of this application, the terms "water -dispiaceable diluent/solubilizer/solvent/viscosity modifier" are potential alternative uses of the same material in a

polymerizable monomer mixture. The monohydric alcohol boric acid esters allow the one or more silicon-containing biomedical device-forming monomers and a hydrophilic monomer to be miscible with one another for curing so there is no phase - separation or cloudy lens. Thus, a significant advantage that is imparted by the use of monohydric alcohol boric acid esters in the polymerizable monomer mixtures of the present invention is an enhanced ability to employ silicon-containing biomedical device- forming monomers in the mixture. This is in contrast to monomer mixtures containing silicon-containing biomedical device-forming monomers and a boric acid ester of a poiyhydric alcohol as a water- dispiaceable diluent/solubilizer/ solvent/viscosity modifier where it has been found that the silicon-containing biomedical device-forming monomers are not soluble in the mixture resulting in phase separation and therefore a cloudy or opaque lens.

[001 0] Further, after curing and prior to extraction, the

polymerization product such as a button possesses a suitable hardness (and modulus) which allows for lathing of the button to provide a lens. By possessing a suitable hardness (and modulus), the polymerization product can be readily dry released from its mold prior to the extraction step (a harder lens is easier to dry release and handle than a softer lens). Thus the polymerization product can be dry released and then extracted, This is also in contrast to the use of a monohydric alcohol as compared to its corresponding boric acid ester, or the use of a polyhydric alcohol as a diluent in a silicon hydrogel forming monomer mix which does not result in unextracted lenses that possess a suitable hardness for subsequent machining steps such as lathing, !n other words, a lens buttons produced from a polyhydric alcohol boric acid ester containing monomer mixture can be neither dry released nor shaped by lathing.

[001 1 ] In order to facilitate dry release of the lens, a "decapping" step, i.e., separating one mold section from the second mold section with the lens being retained in the second mold section, can be carried out after the polymerizable monomer mixture has been subjected to polymerization conditions. The lens is then removed (i.e., dry released) from the second mold section, for example, by mechanically removing the lens from the second moid section without the use of an aqueous solution.

[001 2] By being able to dry release the polymerization product obtained from the monomer mixture of the present invention, Applicants can avoid the following problems: (1 ) excessive force being required for removing the lens from the mold which could lead to tearing of the lens thereby rendering it inoperable; or (2) additional processing steps such as using a diluent to wet release the lens from the mold and then removing the diluent with a vacuum and optionally heat (in the case where the diluent is a high boiling solvent) which may degrade the lens,

[001 3] The present invention therefore provides processing

advantages in producing shaped silicon-containing biomedical devices, including enhanced decapping (i.e., the ability to open the mold after polymerization with less force), which results in economic advantages such as a saving of labor costs, and a significant increase in yield because of a reduced proportion of surface defects in the molded articles that would cause rejection.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[001 4] The present invention is directed to a polymerizable monomer mixture useful in making optically clear silicon-containing biomedical devices. In general, the polymerizable monomer mixture contains one or more silicon-containing biomedical device-forming monomers and a diluent; wherein the diluent comprises a boric acid ester of a monohydric alcohol.

[001 5] Unless clearly stated otherwise or as understood by common custom and usage all numerical values contained herein represent percent by weight. Also, the term "about" as used with numerical values herein is to be understood to represent the standard deviation of the mean as is typically encountered in the production of the biomedical device according to the invention herein. [001 6] As used herein, a "biomedical device" is any article that is designed to be used while either in or on mammalian tissues or fluid, and preferably in or on human tissue or fluids. Representative examples of biomedical devices include, but are not limited to, artificial ureters, diaphragms, intrauterine devices, heart valves, catheters, denture liners, prosthetic devices, ophthalmic lens applications, where the lens is intended for direct placement in or on the eye, such as, for example, intraocular devices and contact lenses.

[001 7] In one preferred embodiment, the biomedical device is an ophthalmic device, particularly contact lenses, most particularly contact lenses made from silicon hydrogels. As used herein, the term "ophthalmic device" and "lens" refer to devices that reside in or on the eye. These devices can provide optical correction, wound care, drug delivery, diagnostic functionality or cosmetic enhancement or effect or a

combination of these properties. Useful ophthalmic devices include, but are not limited to, ophthalmic lenses such as soft contact lenses, e.g., a soft, hydroge! lens; soft, non-hydroge! lens and the like, hard contact lenses, e.g., a hard, gas permeable lens material and the like, intraocular lenses, overlay lenses, ocular inserts, optical inserts and the like. As is understood by one skilled in the art, a lens is considered to be "soft" if it can be folded back upon itself without breaking. The ophthalmic devices such as contact lenses of the present invention can be spherical, toric, bifocal, may contain cosmetic tints, opaque cosmetic patterns,

combinations thereof and the like, [001 8] The poiymerizable monomer mixtures of the present invention preferably form a soft contact lens such as those commonly referred to as silicon hydrogel lenses and prepared from at least one silicon-containing biomedical device-forming monomer as discussed hereinbeiow,

Accordingly, the present invention is applicable to a wide variety of materials, and silicon hydrogel materials are particularly preferred. Silicon hydrogels are a well-known class of materials that comprise hyd rated, cross-linked polymeric systems containing water in an equilibrium state. Silicon hydrogels generally have water content greater than about 5 weight percent and more commonly between about 1 0 to about 80 weight percent. Such materials are usually prepared by polymerizing a mixture containing one or more silicon-containing biomedical device-forming monomers and at least one hydrophilic monomer. Typically, either the silicon-containing biomedical device-forming monomer or the hydrophilic monomer functions as a crossiinking agent (a crosslinker being defined as a monomer having multiple poiymerizable functionalities) or a separate crosslinker may be employed.

[001 9] In general, silicon-containing biomedical device-forming monomers for use in the formation of silicon-containing biomedical devices such as hydrogels include silicon monomers containing one or more Si-0 units as well as silicon monomers containing one or more silicon atoms with one or more Si-0 units. In one preferred embodiment, a silicon monomer contains more than one Si-0 unit to provide a lens having a desired oxygen permeability. Silicon-containing monomers are well known in the art and numerous examples are provided in U.S. Patent Nos. 4, 1 36,250; 4, 1 53 ,641 ; 4,740, 533; 5,034,461 ; 5 ,070,21 5 ; 5 ,260,000 5,31 0,779; and 5,358,995. Representative examples of applicable silicon containing monomeric units include bu lky polysiloxanylalkyl (meth)acrylic monomers represented by the structure of Formula I:

(0 wherein X denotes — -O ----- or - - NR ---; each R ¹ independently denotes rogen or methyl; each R ² independently denotes a lower al radical or a group represented by

R '

O

-O— Si-

R ² ' wherein each R ^{2 '} independently denotes a lower alkyl or phenyl radical; and h is 1 to 1 0. [0020] Examples of bulky monomers are 3- methacryloyloxypropyltr!s(trimethy!~siloxy)s!lane or

tnsitrimethylsiloxy)silylpropyl methacrylate, sometimes referred to as TRIS and tris(tnmethylsiloxy)silylpropyl vinyl carbamate, sometimes referred to as TRIS-VC, (3-methacryloxy-2 - hydroxy propoxy) propyl bis (trimethyi siloxy) methyl silane, sometimes referred to as Sigma and the like.

[0021 ] Such bulky monomers may be copo!ymerized with a silicon macromonomer, such as a poly(organosiloxane) capped with an

unsaturated group at two or more ends of the molecule. US, Patent No. 4, 1 53 ,641 discloses, for example, various u nsaturated groups such as acryloyloxy or methacry!oyloxy groups.

[0022] Another class of representative silicon -containing monomers includes, but is not limited to, silicon-containing vinyl carbonate or vinyl carbamate monomers such as, for example, 1 ,3-bis[4- vinyloxycarbonyloxy)but- l -yljtetramethyl-disiloxane; 3- (trimethylsilyl)propyl vinyl carbonate; 3-(vinyIoxycarbonyIthio)propyi- [tris(trimethyisiloxy)si!ane] ; 3 -[tris(trimethyisiloxy)siiyl] propyl vinyl carbamate; 3-[tris(trimethylsi!oxy)silyl]propy! ally! carbamate; 3- [trls(trimethylsiSoxy)silyl] propyl vinyl carbonate; t-butyidimethy!siloxyethy! vinyl carbonate; trimethyisilylethyl vinyl carbonate; trimethylsilylmethyl vinyl carbonate and the like and mixtures thereof.

[0023] Another class of silicon-containing monomers includes polyurethane-polysiloxane macromonomers (also sometimes referred to as prepolymers), which may have hard - soft- hard blocks like traditional urethane elastomers. They may be end-capped with a hydrophilic monomer such as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). Examples of such silicon-containing urethanes are disclosed in a variety or publications, including PCT Pu blished Application No. WO 96/3 1 792 discloses examples of such monomers, which disclosure is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Representative examples of silicon-containing urethanes are represented by Formulae II and III:

E(*D*A*D*G) a *D*A*D*E' ; or (II)

E(*D*G* D*A) _a *D*A*D* E'; or (III) wherein:

D independently denotes an alky I diradical, an alkyl cycloalkyl diradical, a cycloalkyl diradical, an aryl diradical or an alkylaryl diradical having 6 to about 30 carbon atoms;

G independently denotes an alkyl diradical, a cycloalkyl diradical, an alkyl cycloalkyl diradical, an aryl diradical or an alkylaryl diradical having 1 to about 40 carbon atoms and which may contain ether, thio or amine linkages in the main chain;

* denotes a urethane or ureido linkage; a is at least 1 ;

A independently denotes a divalent polymeric radical of Formula IV:

wherein each R ^s independently denotes an alkyl or fluoro-substituted a!kyl group having 1 to about 1 0 carbon atoms which may contain ether linkages between the carbon atoms; m' is at least 1 ; and p is a number that provides a moiety weight of about 400 to about 1 0,000;

each of E and E' independently denotes a polymerizable unsaturated anic radical represented by Formula V

wherein: R ³ is hydrogen or methyl:

is hydrogen, an alkyl radical having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or a— CO— Y-

R ⁶ radical wherein Y is --0--, ---5--- or— -NH

5 is a divalent alkylene radical having 1 to about 1 0 carbon atoms;

R ⁶ is a alkyl radical having 1 to about 1 2 carbon atoms;

X denotes—CO— or— OCO-

Z denotes—0— or— H- Ar denotes an aromatic radical having about 6 to about 30 carbon atoms; vv is 0 to 6; x is 0 or 1 ; y is 0 or 1 ; and z is 0 or 1 .

[0024] One preferred silicon-containing urethane is represented by Formuia VI:

- wherein m is at least 1 and is preferably 3 or 4, a is at least 1 and preferably is 1 , p is a number which provides a moiety weight of about 400 to about 1 0,000 and is preferably at least about 30, R ⁷ is a diradicai of a diisocyanate after removal of the isocyanate group, such as the diradicai of isophorone diisocyanate, and each E" is a group represented by:

0025] In another embodiment of the present invention, a silicon lydrogel material comprises (in bulk, that is, in the monomer mixture that s copolymerized) about 5 to about 70 percent, or from about 1 0 to about 60 percent, by weight of one or more silicon macromonomers, about 5 to about 60 percent, or from about 1 0 to about 60 percent, by weight of one or more polysiioxanylalkyi (meth)acrylic monomers, and about 20 to about 60 percent, or from about 1 0 to about 50 percent, by weight of a

hydrophi!ic monomer. In general, the silicon macromonomer is a

poly(organosiloxane) capped with an unsaturated group at one or more ends of the molecule. In addition to the end groups in the above structural formulas, U.S. Patent No. 4,1 53,641 discloses additional unsaturated groups, including acryloyloxy or methacryloyloxy groups. Fumarate- containing materials such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,31 0,779; 5,449,729 and 5,51 2,205 are also useful substrates in accordance with the invention. Preferably, the silicon-containing monomer is a silicon- containing vinyl carbonate or vinyl carbamate or a polyurethane- polysiloxane having one or more hard-soft-hard blocks and end-capped with a hydrophi!ic monomer. The silicon -containing monomers can be present in the mixtures in an amount ranging from 1 0 to about 75 weight percent, based on the total weight of the monomer mixture.

[0026] The above materials are merely exemplary silicon-containing monomers and have been disclosed in various publications and further developed for use in making silicon-containing biomedical devices such as contact lenses. For example, the polymerizab!e monomeric mixtures disclosed herein can contain at least a cationic silicon-containing

biomedical device-forming monomer. In another embodiment, the polymerizable monomer mixture can contain at least a fluorinated silicon- containing biomedical device-forming monomer. Such monomers

(f!uorinated silicons) have been used in the formation of fluorosilicon hydrogels to reduce the accumulation of deposits on contact lenses made therefrom, as disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 4,954, 587;

5,01 0, 1 41 and 5 ,079,3 1 9. Silicon-containing monomers having certain fluorinated side groups, i.e., -(CF2)-H, can also be used in the

polymerizable monomer mixtures of the invention herein, such as those disclosed in, e.g., U.S. Patent Nos. 5 ,321 , 1 08 and 5 ,387,662.

[0027] The polymerizable monomer mixtures of the present invention employed to obtain silicon-containing biomedical devices can contain one or more comonomers in addition to the one or more silicon-containing biomedical device-forming monomers. Examples of suitable comonomers include hydrophilic comonomers, non-silicon-containing hydrophobic monomers and mixtures thereto. Useful hydrophilic monomers include one or more unsaturated carboxylic acids, vinyl lactams, amides,

polymerizable amines, vinyl carbonates, vinyl carbamates, oxazolone monomers, and the like and mixtures thereof. Representative examples of useful amides include acrylamides such as Ν,Ν-dimethyiacrylamide and Ν,Ν-dimethylmethacrylamide. Representative examples of useful vinyl lactams include cyclic lactams such as N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone. Examples of other hydrophilic monomers include poiy(aikene glycols) functiona!ized with polymerizable groups. Examples of useful functionalized poly(alkene glycols) include poly(diethyiene glycols) of varying chain length containing monomethacry!ate or dimethacrylate end caps. In one preferred embodiment, the poly(alkene glycol) polymer contains at least two aikene glycol monomeric units. Still further examples are the hydrophilic vinyl carbonate or vinyl carbamate monomers disclosed in U.S. Patent No.

5,070,21 5, and the hydrophilic oxazolone monomers disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,91 0,277. Other suitable hydrophilic monomers will be apparent to one skilled in the art. The hydrophilic monomers can be present in the monomer mixtures in an amount ranging from 1 0 to about 75 weight percent, based on the total weight of the monomer mixture.

[0028] Suitable non-silicon-containing hydrophobic monomers include ethylenically unsaturated hydrophobic monomers such as, for example, (meth)acrylates -containing hydrophobic monomers, N-alky! (meth)acry!amides-containing hydrophobic monomers, a!kyl

vmylcarbonates-containmg hydrophobic monomers, alkyl

vinylcarbamates-containing hydrophobic monomers, fluoroalkyl

(meth)acrylates-containing hydrophobic monomers, N-fluoroalkyl

(meth)acrylamides -containing hydrophobic monomers, N -fluoroalkyl viny!carbonates-contaming hydrophobic monomers, N-fluoroalkyl vinylcarbamates-containing hydrophobic monomers, (meth)acrylamides- containing hydrophobic monomers, vinyl carbonates-containing

hydrophobic monomers, vinyl carbamates-containing hydrophobic monomers, styrenic - containing hydrophobic monomers, polyoxypropylene (meth)acry!ate-containing hydrophobic monomers and the like and mixtures thereof. Non-silicon containing bulky hydrophobic monomers may also be present. For example, t-butyl(meth)acrylate, isobornyl(meth)acrylate adamenty!(meth)acrylate and the like and mixtures thereof. As used herein, the term "(meth)" denotes an optional methyl substituent. Thus, terms such as "(meth)acrylate" denotes either

methacrylate or acryiate, and "(meth)acryiamide" denotes either

methacry!amide or acry!amide. The non -silicon-containing hydrophobic monomers can be present in the mixtures in an amount ranging from 0 to about 20 weight percent, based on the total weight of the monomer mixture,

[0029] The monomer mixture can also include a crosslinking monomer (a crosslinking monomer or crossiinker being defined as a monomer having multiple polymerizable functionalities). In the case where the silicon-containing biomedical device-forming monomer is a

prepolymer endcapped at both ends with a polymerizable radical, these endcapped prepolymers will function as a crossiinker. Optionally, a supplemental crosslinking monomer may be added to the initial

monomeric mixture. Representative crosslinking monomers include:

diviny!benzene, allyl methacrylate, ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate, tetraethyleneglycol dimethacrylate, poiyethyienegiycol dimethacrylate, ethyleneglycol divinyl carbonate tetraethyleneglycol divinyl carbonates, poiyethyienegiycol, divinyl carbonate, and methacryloxyethyl

vinylcarbonate. When a supplemental crosslinking agent is employed, this monomeric material may be included in the monomer mixture at 0.1 to 20 weight percent, more preferably at 0.2 to 1 0 weight percent. [0030] The boric acid ester present in the monomer mixture is a boric acid ester of a monohydric alcohol and is used in the method of the present invention as a water-disp!aceab!e

diluent/so!ubilizer/so!verit/viscosity modifier. The boric acid esters are prepared by procedures analogous to those that are known in the art, such as the monohydric alcohol boric acid esters prepared in U.S. Patent No. 6,998,465, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. For example, the boric acid esters of a monohydric alcohol used in the polymerizable monomer mixture of the present invention can be obtained by reacting boric acid or anhydrous boric acid with a G to Ci2 monohydric alcohol or a G to Cg monohydric alcohol and removing the water formed by the reaction by normal procedures such as by vacuum distillation. The boric acid compound and monohydric alcohol are mixed together in an amount ranging from about 1 mole equivalent of boric acid and from about 3.0 to about 6.0 mole equivalents of monohydric alcohol. The reaction of boric acid with the monohydric alcohol is carried out at a temperature and for a period of time sufficient to form the ester. Typical reaction temperatures are usually found within the range of from about 1 S°C to about 100 C, At these temperatures, reaction times will ordinarily range from about 1 to about 24 hours. In general, the reaction is continued until the water content of the ester is less than about 2%, by weight,

[0031 ] In one embodiment, examples of suitable monohydric alcohols would include G to G2 straight or branched chain monohydric alcohols, G to Ci 2 cycloalkyl monohydric alcohols, Cs to C1 2 aromatic monohydric alcohols or mixtures of any of the above. In another embodiment, examples of suitable monohydric alcohols would include G to Cs straight or branched chain monohydric alcohols, C5 to Cs cycloalkyl monohydric alcohols, Cs to Cs aromatic monohydric alcohol and mixtures of any of the above.

[0032] Useful monohydric alcohols would therefore include, but not be limited to, methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, iso-propanol, n-butanoi, 2- butanol, t-butanol, isobutanol, 2-ethy!hexanol, 2-methylcyclohexanol, 2- methyl-l -propanol, n-pentanol, 2-pentanoI, 3-pentanol, 2-methyi-] - butanol, 3-methy!-l -butanol, 2 - methyl -2 - butanol, 3-methyl-2-butano!, 3,7-dimethy!-3-octanoi, 2, 2-dimethy!-l -propanol, 1 -hexanoi, 1 -octanol, 2-octanol, cyclohexanol, cyc!opentanol, benzyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof.

[0033] Representative examples of suitable boric acid esters for use herein would therefore include, but not be limited to, trimethyl borate, triethyl borate, tri-n- propyl borate, triisopropyl borate, tri- n -butyl borate, tri-tert-butyi borate and the like and mixtures thereof.

[0034] In general, the boric acid ester of a monohydric alcohol is present in the polymerizable monomer mixture in an amount of about 5 to about 50 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the monomer mixture. In one embodiment, the boric acid ester of a monohydric alcohol is present in the monomer mixture in an amount of about 1 5 to about 30 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the monomer mixture. [0035] If desired, the monomer mixture can aiso contain the corresponding monohydric alcohoi used to form the boric acid ester as an additionai diluent in the monomer mix. Examples of such monohydric alcohols include those discussed above,

[0036] The monomeric mixture may further contain, as necessary and within limits not to impair the purpose and effect of the present invention, various additives such as an antioxidant, coloring agent, ultraviolet absorber, lubricant internal wetting agents, toughening agents and the like and other constituents as is well known in the art.

[0037] Generally, contact lenses can be obtained by curing the monomer mixture under conditions sufficient to polymerize the monomer mixture to produce a silicon- containing biomedical device. Various processes are known for curing a monomeric mixture in the production of contact lenses including, by way of example, spincasting and static casting. For example, spincasting methods involve charging the monomer mixture in an open faced mold having a concave bottom surface, i.e., a one-piece mold, and spinning the mold in a controlled manner while exposing the monomer mixture to light, such as UV light. Static casting methods involve charging the monomer mixture between two mold sections, one mold section shaped to form the anterior lens surface and the other mold section shaped to form the posterior lens surface, and curing the monomer mixture while retained in the mold assembly to form a lens, for example, by free radical polymerization of the mixture.

Spincasting methods are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,408,429 and 3,660, 545, and static casting methods are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.

4, 1 1 3 ,224, 4, 1 97,266, and 5,271 ,875. Additionally, the monomer mixtures may be cast in the shape of rods or buttons, which are then lathe cut into a desired lens shape.

[0038] Polymerization may be facilitated by exposing the mixture to heat and /or radiation, such as ultraviolet light, visible light, or high energy radiation. A polymerization initiator may be included in the mixture to facilitate the polymerization step. Representative examples of free radical thermal polymerization initiators include organic peroxides such as acetyl peroxide, lauroyl peroxide, decanoyl peroxide, stearoyl peroxide, benzoyl peroxide, tertiarylbutyl peroxypivalate, peroxydicarbonate, and the like and azo compounds such as 2,2 '-azQbisisQbutyronitn le (AIBN), 1 , 1 '- azobis(cyclohexanecarbonitrile), 4,4 ^! ~azobis(4-cyanovaleric acid), and the like. Representative UV initiators are those known in the art and include benzoin methyl ether, benzoin ethyl ether, Darocure 1 1 73 , 1 1 64, 2273, 1 1 1 6, 2959, 3331 (EM Industries) and Irgacure 65 1 and 1 84 (BASF), and the like. Representative examples of visible light initiators include phosphine oxides such as Irgacure 81 9, Darocure TPO (BASF), Lucirin TPO, Lucirin TPG-L (BASF), etc. Generally, the initiator will be employed in the mixture at a concentration of about 0.01 to about 5 percent by weight of the total monomer mixture.

[0039] Generally, polymerization under ultra-violet (UV) or Visible light ('blue light') curing polymerization conditions can be carried out for about 1 5 minutes to about 60 minutes and under an inert atmosphere of, for example, nitrogen or argon. Polymerization under thermal curing conditions generally require higher temperatures, e.g., about 40 to about 1 20°C for a time period of about 1 0 to about 72 hours.

[0040] Following casting, the polymerization product, which generally undergoes subsequent processes to provide a silicon-containing

biomedical device, is dry released from the mold. In the case where the mold is a two-part mold assembly, including a posterior mold half and an anterior mold half, dry release is carried out when one of the mold halves is removed, i.e., de-capped, with the cast polymerization product remaining adhered to the other mold half. In many processes, it is desired that the polymerization product remains with the anterior mold half. In general, a dry release process involves releasing the polymerization product from the mold half in a dry state and without adding aqueous media. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the boric acid ester of a monohydric alcohol cross-links with the

polymerization product during curing such that the polymerization product possesses a sufficient hardness to allow it to be dry released from the mold. One skilled in the art would readily appreciate that the term

"sufficient hardness" means that the resulting polymerization product is not too soft so that it tears during the dry release process (e.g., when being removed from mold with mechanical grippers) or is too brittle such that it shatters or breaks upon being subjected to the mechanical forces encountered during the dry release process. [0041 ] In one embodiment, the polymerization product can be dry released by simply removing the polymerization product from the mold in a dry state, In another embodiment, dry release is accomplished by way of mechanical actions in which the polymerization product is removed mechanically from the molds using mechanical grippers such as tweezers, taking a precaution of not to tear the polymerization product. In the event that mechanical removal cannot be carried out, the mold half containing the polymerization product is mechanically deformed to forcibly dry release it.

[0042] Once the polymerization products which are subsequently modified to yield silicon-containing biomedical devices such as contact lenses are dry released, they can then be subjected to optional machining operations. For example, the machining operation could include one of the following three lathing (machining) operations of the lenses:

[0043] 1 . A monomer mixture is cast and cured in a long cylindrical mold, the resulting rod (hard plastic at this point) is removed from the mold, cut into smaller discs and subsequently lathed on both sides to form a lens. The resulting lens is then extracted and hydrated.

[0044] 2. A monomer mixture is cast into a short cylindricai mold to form a hard plastic button (disc-like) which is removed from the moid and lathed on both sides to form a lens. The resulting lens is then extracted and hydrated. This process avoids the cutting step.

[0045] 3. A monomer mixture is cast into a single part, half mold, i.e., a one piece mold (with curvature on one side only). The mold may or may not have a lid to cover the flat side. The monomer mix is then cured and the dome-shaped hard part is removed from the mold and machined. Lathing is confined to one side only to generate the concave half of the lens. The lens is then extracted and hydrated.

[0046] Other optional machining steps may include buffing or polishing a lens edge and/or surface. Generally, such machining

processes may be performed before or after the product is released from a mold part, e.g., the lens is dry released from the mold by employing vacuum tweezers to lift the lens from the mold, after which the lens is transferred by means of mechanical tweezers to a second set of vacuum tweezers and placed against a rotating surface to smooth the surface or edges. The lens may then be turned over in order to machine the other side of the lens.

[0047] If desired, once the polymerization product is dry released and optionally lathed, it can be extracted with a suitable solvent in which the crosslinks of the boric acid ester of a monohydric alcohol are broken and the boric acid ester is displaced from the polymerization product to provide a silicon-containing biomedical device. A suitable solvent includes a polar solvent. Useful polar solvents include water, alcohols, esters, hydroxy and glycol esters, polyols and ketones, and mixtures thereof.

[0048] Suitable alcohols for extraction include, but are not limited to, straight or branched chain G to Cs alcohols, such as methanol, ethanol, n- propanol, iso-propanol, mixtures of propanol isomers, n-butano!, sec-- butano!, tert-butanol, iso - butanol, mixtures of butanol isomers 2 - methyl - 1 -butanoi, n-pentanoi, mixtures of pentanol isomers and amy! alcohol (mixture of isomers), and mixtures thereof.

[0049] Suitable esters for extraction include, but are not limited to, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, iso-propyl acetate, n-buty acetate, iso-butyl acetate, sec-butyl acetate, amyl acetate (mixture of isomers), methylamyl acetate, 2-ethyihexyl acetate and iso- butyl isobutyrate, and mixtures thereof.

[0050] Suitable hydroxy and glycol esters for extraction include, but are not limited to, methyl glycol acetate, ethyl glycol acetate, butyl glycol acetate, ethyl diglycol acetate, butyl diglycol acetate, ethyl lactate, n-butyl lactate, 3-methoxy-n-butyl acetate, ethylene glycol diacetate, glycolic acid- n-butyl ester, 2 -methylpropanoic acid- 2,2,4 -tnmethyl -3- hydroxypenty! ester, methyl glycol, ethyl glycol, iso-propyl glycol, 3- methoxybutanol, butyl glycol, iso-butyl glycol, methyl diglycol, ethyl diglycol, butyl diglycol, iso-butyl diglycol, diethy!ene glycol, dipropylene glycol, ethylene glycol monohexyl ether and diethylene glycol monohexyl ether, and mixtures thereof.

[005 1 ] Suitable polyols for extraction include, but are not limited to, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1 ,3-butylerie glycol, 1 ,4-butylene glycol hexylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethy!ene glycol and dipropylene glycol, and mixtures thereof.

[0052] Suitable ketones for extraction include, but are not limited to, iso-butyl heptyl ketone, cyclohexanone, methyl cyclohexanone, methyl iso-butenyl ketone, pent-oxone, acetyl acetone, diacetone alcohol, iso- phorone, methyl butyl ketone, ethyl propyl ketone, methyl iso-butyl ketone, methyl amy! ketone, methyl iso-amyl ketone, ethyl butyl ketone, ethyl amy! ketone, methyl hexyl ketone, diisopropyl ketone, diisobuty! ketone, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl propyl ketone and diethyl ketone, and mixtures thereof.

[0053] The extracted polymerization product is then hydrated with water or an aqueous solvent, e.g., 50% V/V isopropyi alcohol, or both in process steps to form a hydroge! as discussed above.

[0054] The lens may then be transferred to individual lens packages containing a buffered saline solution or other appropriate packaging solution such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,440,366 to Salpekar et a!., the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

Alternatively, a saline or other suitable solution may be added to the package either before or after transfer of the lens. Appropriate packaging designs and materials are known in the art. A plastic package is releasably sealed with a film. Suitable sealing films are known in the art and include foils, polymer films and mixtures thereof. The sealed packages containing the lenses are then sterilized to ensure a sterile product. Suitable sterilization means and conditions are known in the art and include, for example, autoclaving.

[0055] As one skilled in the art will readily appreciate other steps may be included in the molding and packaging process described above. Such other steps can include, for example, coating the formed lens, surface treating the lens during formation (e.g., via mold transfer), inspecting the lens, discarding defective lenses, cleaning the mold halves, reusing the mold halves, and the like and combinations thereof.

[0056] The following examples are provided to enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention and are merely illustrative of the invention, The examples should not be read as limiting the scope of the invention as defined in the claims,

[0057] Analytical Measurements

[0058] I , Modulus (g/mm ² ) and elongation were measured per AST 1 708a employing an Instron (Model 4502) instru ment where the film sample was immersed in borate buffered saline; an appropriate size of the film sample was gauge length 22 mm and width 4.75 mm, where the sample further has ends forming a dogbone shape to accommodate gripping of the sample with clamps of the Instron instrument, and a thickness of 200± 50 microns.

[0059] 2, Tensile modulus (g/mm ² ) was measured at the initial linear portion of the stress/strain curve per AST test method Dl 708a.

[0060] 3. Oxygen permeability (also referred to as Dk) was

determined by the following procedure. Other methods and/or

instruments may be used as long as the oxygen permeability values obtained therefrom are equivalent to the described method. The oxygen permeability of silicon hydrogels is measured by the polarographic method (ANSI Z80.20- ] 998) using an 02 Permeometer Model 201 T instrument (Createch, Albany, Calif. USA) having a probe containing a central, circular gold cathode at its end and a silver anode insulated from the cathode. Measurements are taken only on pre-inspected pinho!e-free, flat silicon hydrogel film samples of three different center thicknesses ranging from 1 50 to 600 microns. Center thickness measurements of the film samples may be measured using a Render ET-- 1 electronic thickness gauge.

Generally, the film samples have the shape of a circular disk.

Measurements are taken with the film sample and probe immersed in a bath containing circulating phosphate buffered saline (PBS) equilibrated at 35°C -÷- /- 0.2°. Prior to immersing the probe and film sample in the PBS bath, the film sample is placed and centered on the cathode premoistened with the equilibrated PBS, ensuring no air bubbles or excess PBS exists between the cathode and the film sample, and the film sample is then secured to the probe with a mounting cap, with the cathode portion of the probe contacting only the film sample.

[0061 ] For silicon hydrogel films, it is frequently useful to employ a Teflon polymer membrane, e.g., having a circular disk shape, between the probe cathode and the film sample. In such cases, the Teflon membrane is first placed on the pre-moistened cathode, and then the film sample is placed on the Teflon membrane, ensuring no air bubbles or excess PBS exists beneath the Teflon membrane or film sample. Once measurements are collected, only data with correlation coefficient value (R2) of 0.97 or higher should be entered into the calculation of Dk value. At least two Dk measurements per thickness, and meeting R2 value, are obtained. Using known regression analyses, oxygen permeability (Dk) is calculated from the film samples having at least three different thicknesses. Any film samples hydrated with solutions other than PBS are first soaked in purified water and allowed to equ ilibrate for at least 24 hours, and then soaked in PHB and allowed to equilibrate for at least 1 2 hours. The instruments are regularly cleaned and regularly calibrated using RGP standards. Upper and lower limits are established by calculating a / -- 8.8% of the Repository values established by William j. Benjamin, et al„, The Oxygen Permeability of Reference Materials, Optom Vis Sci 7 (1 2s): 95 (1 997), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

[0062] 4. Water Content was measu red by individually placing the lens on a piece of premoistened Whatman #1 filter paper. The surface moisture is removed by lightly smoothing a second piece of premoistened Whatman #1 filter paper over the lens. After checking the accuracy of the balance with two known weights, the lens is placed in a tared weigh boat. The wet weight is recorded to the nearest 0.1 mg and the lens transferred to the lens holder, concave side up (this allows the lens identity to be maintained to match wet and dry weights). After the lens holders are full, they are placed on a spindle with a plastic spacer between them and placed in a glass jar approximately ½ full of desiccant. The jar is capped and the lid tightened, then loosened slightly to prevent pressure buildup. The jar with lenses is placed in a 500-650 watt microwave oven along with a 400 ml beaker containing at least 200 ml of distilled water with boiling beads to keep the jar from becoming overheated. The jar is microwaved at 500- 650 watts for 1 0 minutes; the start time and date are recorded on the paperwork. When the cycle finishes, the jar is removed from the

microwave and allowed to cool on the bench for 30 minutes; time out and date are also recorded. When cool, the lenses are individually weighed and their dry weights recorded to the nearest 0.1 mg, matching the dry weights to the corresponding wet weight. The water content is expressed as % water according to the following formula:

Wet Weight - Dry Weight

Water Content(%) = - — x 100

WetW eight

[0063] Shore D Hardness Measurements - Standard Test Method for Rubber Property - Durometer Hardness (ASTM Method # D2240-00). This test method permits hardness measurements based on either initial

indentation or indentation after a specified period of time, or both.

Indicators used to determine maximum hardness values of a material may yield lower hardness when the maximum indicator is used. Hardness measurements (and lathing rankings) are taken before the lens has been hydrated, whereas all other measurements herein are taken after the lens has been extracted and hydrated.

[0064] in the examples, the following abbreviations are used. TRIS Sigma I 1 -EDS6 a2 D37 lal Dl 5 rgacure 81 9

C1X--4

SA Monomer

^■ vinyl - 2 --- py r r o Π d o n e

DMA: N,N --dimethyl acry!amide

HE A: 2 - hydroxyethyl methacrylate

[00651 Each of these abbreviations not defined above are defined as follows:

ethacryloxypropyItris(trimethyisiIoxy)silane (TRIS)

(3-rnethaery!oxy-2-hyd roxypropoxy)propy bis(tri methyls !oxy)methylsi!ane (Sigma)

GACU E 819 (photo

CIX-4

SA Monomer (UV Blocker)

EXAMPLES 1 -6 AND COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 1

[0066] All mixes were made in amber scintillation vials under dry air environment in a glove box. The mixes were rolled or stirred using magnetic stirring bars for 24 hou rs. The mixes were then placed in a primarily nitrogen environment ([O2] < 1 00 ppm). Next, 43 μΙ aliquots were then dispensed in an anterior polypropylene mold half and capped with the posterior polypropylene mold half. The mold assemblies were then placed in a nitrogen curing chamber and irradiated with blue light (wavelength 400-500 nm) at approximately 7 mW/cm ² for 45 minutes. Al fully cured lenses were extracted for 2 hours according to the extraction procedures provided in Table. The resulting lenses were then placed in borate buffered saline (pH 7.3 ± 0.2). After 24 hours equilibration, the lenses were transferred to clear glass vials containing fresh borate buffered saline (pH 7.3 ± 0.2) and autoclaved for 30 minutes at 1 20 ^° C. The formulations and data for the lenses are set forth in Table 1 .

TABLE 1 - Formu lation data and Properties

The advantages of using triisopropyl borate instead of hexanol include (1 ) dry release capability even at higher concentrations of diluent, (2) the lens formed using triisopropyi borate as diluent possessed suitable hardness (it was plastic) instead of a flimsy, easily breakable, lens and (3) improved solubility of the monomer mix.

[0067] Extractable Study

[0068] Extractable polymer content of the lenses of Examples 1 and 2 was determined by a gravimetric procedure using different extractants. The particular procedure of the gravimetric extractables determination is set forth as follows:

[0069] In a clean clear scintillation vial 3 dry lenses were weighed per vial totaling 3 vials. 3 rriL of extractant were added to each vial and allowed to extract for 2 hrs at room temperature. The extractant was replaced with Dl water. The lenses were then placed on a Teflon slab and dried under vacuum overnight. Each set of lenses was re-weighed. The extractables % was determined by the following equation and the results are set forth below in Table 2.

Extractables % = [(Dry weight before extraction - Dry weight after extraction)/Dry weight before extraction] *1 00

TABLE 2

Extractable Study

EXAMPLES 7-9

[0070] Lenses were prepared in substantially the same manner as in Examples 1 -6. The components and amounts used in preparing the lenses for each example are set forth in Table 3. As shown below, increasing the amount of the triisopropyl borate diluent did not compromise the dry release or material properties of the lenses,

TABLE 3

EXAMPLES 1 0-29 AND COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 2

[0071 ] The formulations of Examples 1 0-29 and Comparative

Example 2 set forth below in Tables 4 and 5 were cast into lenses and buttons using the following procedures.

[0072] Lens Casting Procedure.

[0073] The following procedure illustrates a process for casting of a contact lens. Silicon hydrogel lenses made of the formulation of the examples in Tables 4 and 5 below were cast molded from polypropylene molds. Under an inert nitrogen atmosphere, 43 to 45 μΙ of the formulation was injected onto a clean polypropylene concave mold half and covered with the complementary polypropylene convex mold half. The mold halves were compressed using a top plate and then top plate was removed and the mixture was cured for about 27 minutes in the presence of visible light 0.588 mW/cm ² as measured by an International Light Technologies

Radiometer photometer modeI# ILT 1 400-A. Cast molded lenses were cured by irradiating from the top.

[0074] The top mold half was removed and the lenses were dry released and extracted using four 1 hour changes of 50: 50 isopropanoh D! water, then one 1 hour change of 1 00% D! water, followed by one 1 hour change of 1 00% Borate Buffered Solution (Examples 2, and 1 0-22).

Alternative isocratic extractions with isopropanohD! water were also used [60/40, 70/ 30 mixtures by volume] (Example 2). A gradient extraction ("stepped extraction") was also done using one 30 minute change of 50: 50 isopropanohDI water, three 1 5 minute changes of 1 00% isopropanol, one 30 minute change of 50: 50 isopropanohDI water, and two 30 minute changes of 1 00% D! water (Examples 23-29). The material properties and captive bubble contact angle data set forth in Tables 4 and 5 were measured on the cast molded lenses.

[0075] Button Casting Procedure.

[0076] The following procedure illustrates a process for casting of a button. Silicon hydrogel lenses made of the formulation of the examples in Tables 4 and 5 below were cast molded from polypropylene molds.

Under an inert nitrogen atmosphere, 1 .0 ml of the formulation was injected onto a clean polypropylene button mold and the mixture was cured for about 1 hour in the presence of visible light (~3.5mW/cm2 as measured by an International Light Technologies Radiometer Photometer model # ILT 1 4GG-A meter) irradiated from the top and bottom of the mold.

[0077] The buttons prepared with the borate diluents of this

invention were dry released from the molds by applying a slight pressure to the underside of the mold causing the mold to flex and facilitate the release of the button from the mold. The buttons were then lathed as cast. The formulations prepared with hexanol as a diluent were released by placing the formulation in a vacuum oven at 80°C with a nitrogen bleed for up to seven days, to reduce the concentration of diluent. The shore D hardness and lathing evaluations of the formulations in Tables 4 and 5 below were performed on molded buttons (i.e., prior to hydration). TABLE 4

Diluent impact on dry lens Hardness Comp.

Formulation ! Ex.2 Ex.10 Ex.11 Ex.12lEx.13 Ex.14 ] Ex.15 Ex. 16 Ex.17 Ex.18

·· ^'* Lathing

Rankings : 1 -7

i == best

TABLE 5

and Lens Studies. Diluent impact on dry lens

Lathing Evaluations of Examples 1 1 -1 3 and 26-29,

[0078] Lathing evaluation of the lenses obtained in Examples 1 6 -1 8 and 26-29 are given below. A comparison was made to the lens of

Example 2 [Ranking based on machining properties].

[0079] Example 1 1 : Comments: Very soft lot. Good optical quality but images were very dull. [Ranking 4 of 7]

[0080] Example 1 2: Comments: Base curve lathing looked good, extremely light center spot and good surface texture, There were no visible swirls within the material. This lot was the 3rd best of the group for machining. This lot machined about the same as example 2 [Ranking 3 of 71

[0081 ] Example 1 3: Comments: Very soft lot. No optical image, [Ranking 7 of 7].

[0082] Example 26: Comments: Base curve lathing looked excellent, light center soft spot and excellent surface texture. No visible swirls within the material. Best lot of the group for the following attributes; dry lens distortion, lathing cut quality and dry optical quality. Lathing far exceeds the lens of Example 2. This lot cuts more like a rigid gas permeable material, [Ranking 1 of 7].

[0083] Example 27: Comments: Very good surface texture. No visible swirls within the material (slightly opaque/cloudy in appearance) second best lot of the group for machining. Machining on this lot was better than Example2 , [Ranking 2 of 7] Note: extracted and hydrated lens deem to be acceptable.

[0084] Example 28: Comments: Very soft lot of material. Crisp optics but very dull images [Ranking 6 of 7]

[0085] Example 29: Comments: Machining was scored slightly lower than material of example 2. No visible swirls within the material. [Ranking 5 of 7]

EXAMPLES 30 AND 31 AND COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 3-8

[0086] Comparison of a boric acid ester of a polyhydric alcohol versus a boric acid ester of a monohydric alcohol.

[0087] The boric acid ester of a polyhydric alcohol was prepared according to the following preparation disclosed in U.S. Patent No.

4,889,664:

[0088] The boric acid and alcohol were charged to a 2-liter 1 -neck round bottom flask rotating evaporator pre-set to 90°C. A mild vacuum (1 00 mmHg) was applied u ntil all components went into solution and then the vacuum was set to 1 0 mm Hg. The reaction was allowed to proceed for 3 hrs at 90 ^° C under 1 0 mm Hg. The open neck was stoppered with a rubber septum for 3 days prior to use.

[0089] Monomer mixes

[0090] The components and amounts used for Examples 30 and 31 and Comparative Examples 3-8 are set forth below in Table 6. Ail of the components were mixed under dry air conditions in a glove box. The monomer mixtures of Comparative Examples 3-8 containing a boric acid ester of a polyhydric alcohol were two-phase mixtures, thereby rendering them unsuitable for making a contact lens,

TABLE 6

Diluent Com atibility Stud

EXAMPLES 32-36 AND COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES 9- 1 3

[0091 ] The following procedures illustrate a process for casting of a contact lens. Silicone hydrogel lenses made of the formulation of the examples in Table 7 below were cast molded from polypropylene molds. Under an inert nitrogen atmosphere, 43 to 45 μΙ of the formu lation was injected onto a clean polypropylene concave mold half and covered with the complementary polypropylene convex mold half. The mold halves were com pressed using a top plate and then the top plate was removed and the mixture was cured for about 25 minutes in the presence of visible light (2.1 1 5 mVV/cm ² as measured by an International Light Technologies Radiometer photometer model# ILT 1 400-A). Cast molded lenses were cu red by irradiating from the top.

[0092] Silicone hydrogel lenses made of the formulation of the examples in Table 8 below were also cast molded from polypropylene molds. Under an inert nitrogen atmosphere, 43 to 45 μΙ of the formulation was injected onto a clean polypropylene concave mold half and covered with the complementary polypropylene convex mold half. The mold halves were com pressed using a top plate and then the top plate was removed and the mixture was cured for about 25 minutes in the presence of visible light (9.70mW/cm ² as measured by an International Light Technologies Radiometer photometer model# ILT 1 400-A). Cast molded lenses were cured by irradiating from the top. [0093] After the monomer mixes were cured, the top mold half was removed and the lenses were released as described below and extracted using 1 00% isopropanol at 60 ^° C for 1 hour, then one 1 hour change of 1 : 1 isopropanoh DI water at room temperature, followed by one 1 hour change of 1 00% borate buffered solution.

TABLE 7

Formulation data and Pro erties

TABLE 8

Formulation data and Properties

[0094] Dry Release Evaluation - after curing of the lens in the mold assembly:

[0095] 1. The base curve part of the mold (concave portion) is first removed (i.e. "decapping") and the assembly with the cured lens still in the front half of the mold was allowed to sit for 2-3 minutes at ambient condition.

[0096] 2. The lenses were then removed mechanically from the molds using tweezers, taking precaution not to tear them.

[0097] If mechanical removal did not work, the mold half containing the lens was mechanically deformed to forcibly release the article.

[0098] The following observations for the release of the lenses formed in Comparative Examples 9- 1 3 and Examples 32 -36 are as follows:

[0099] Comparative Example 9 (t-amyi alcohol) - Wet released, could not be dry released.

[01 00] Comparative Example 1 0 (3-methyi-3-pentanol) - Wet released, could not be dry released.

[01 01 ] Comparative Example 1 1 (3,7-dimethyl-3-octanol) - Dry released with difficulty, hard to remove mechanically. Some tearing.

[01 02] Comparative Example 1 2 {3-methyl-3-pentanoi) - Wet released. Very tacky lenses, would not dry release.

[01 03] Comparative Example 1 3 (3,7-dimethy!-3-octano!) - Wet released. Very tacky lenses, would not dry release.

[01 04] Example 32 (t-amyi borate) - Dry released easily on its own. No need to deform the mold assembly. [01 05] Example 33 (3-methyl-3-pentyl borate) - Dry released by deforming the mold half.

[01 06] Example 34 (3 ,7-dimethyl-3~octylborate) - Dry released by mechanically removing from the mold half, No need to deform the mold half.

[01 07] Example 35 (3-methy!-3-pentylborate) - Dry released by mechanically removing from the mold half. No need to deform the mold half.

[01 08] Example 36 (3 ,7-dimethy!-3-octylborate) - Dry released by mechanically removing from the mold half. No need to deform the mold half,

[01 09] Accordingly, as can be seen, the lenses of Comparative Examples 9- 1 3 prepared using a monohydric alcohol could not be dry released at all or resulted in a tearing of lens making it unsuitable for use. On the other hand, the lenses of Examples 32 -36 prepared from the corresponding boric acid ester were easily dry released from the mold assembly.

[01 1 0] It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments. For example, the functions described above and implemented as the best mode for operating the present invention are for illustration purposes only. Other arrangements and methods may be implemented by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. Moreover, those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the features and advantages appended hereto.